HERO BX

Research & Development Lab

Ribbon Cutting to celebrate new HERO BX Research Lab at Knowledge Park Tuesday, May 1, 2018

Over $1 million investmented by HERO BX to create research opportunities for students and faculty members in the School of Science at Penn State Erie, The Behrend College.

Research & Development

Located at Knowledge Park in the Advanced Manufacturing and Innovation Center (AMIC), the HERO BX laboratory advances the company’s efforts to diversify and develop biodiesel products for new markets while utilizing the skills of Penn State Behrend students in industry-driven research. One of the first initiatives is to realize a way to reduce the sulfur content of raw materials, or feedstocks, used in biodiesel production to diminish the fuel’s pollutants even further. Subsequent studies will focus on increasing the efficiency of biodiesel in cold temperature applications such as the airline industry.

The Advanced Manufacturing and Innovation Center was designed to foster exactly that kind of collaboration. The building, which is located in the college’s Knowledge Park, is the first known example of a U.S. college or university co-locating academia and industry in a shared research environment. It advances Penn State Behrend’s open-lab model of learning, which matches students and faculty members with private-sectory partners for experiential student learning, applied research and advanced product development.

This marks the culmination of an idea that began years ago, where the work inside these four walls will serve as a catalyst for change. Like any other, the biodiesel industry has to diversify to survive and I chose to invest in our own research and development to ensure that survival. And I chose Penn State Behrend as I know that the next generation of researchers, innovators and leaders walk their halls.

Samuel P. "Pat" Black, lll

HERO BX Founder & CEO, HERO BX

The HERO BX lab will create new opportunities for Penn State Behrend students to collaborate with an industrial research partner – in this case, developing cleaner, domestically-produced, renewable fuel sources. By providing targeted opportunities for students in our School of Science, our partnership with HERO BX expands our open lab model of learning, which matches students and faculty members with private-sector partners for experiential student learning, applied research and advanced product development. We’re excited for the future of HERO BX and Knowledge Park.

Dr. Ralph Ford

Chancellor, Penn State

HERO BX is an affiliate of:

Erie Management Group, LLC

The HERO BX mission is to be a reliable producer and distributor of biodiesel that exceeds industry standards. HERO BX produces and delivers biodiesel, a cleaner burning renewable drop-in replacement for petroleum and heating oil applications. These products reduce carbon emissions, create jobs in the United States, promote energy security and serve the community.